A total eclipse is forecasted to take place August 21, which also aligns with the new moon that evening. So, the only time in that 24 hour period in which the moon will be visible is the few moments, through the eclipse. The eclipse is to cover this country from coast to coast. A total eclipse means the sunlight is hidden, and the new moon is not visible in the night sky. That is "darkness." There is certainly spiritual darkness covering this land, while each coast and state blame the other.
The government is preparing for problems. That in itself is a problem! The areas where this eclipse is to be, best viewed are already preparing for lack and gridlock from food and water to portapotties to traffic. I'm guessing the opportunities for road rage are exponentially off the charts.
Even in the midst of warnings of extreme crowding, lack of prepared infrastructure, it is reported that millions of people are planning to travel to the various sites to view this total eclipse. I use the term "reported" because there is always the hype factor to consider in media. People running to view the darkness and celebrating the event, in spite of the warnings, seems to have become a theme in America. At least the cause of this "celebration" is, in fact, natural!
The idea that folks could be trapped in traffic for hours, with no access to a bathroom, to view two minutes of darkness, boggles my mind and personally, raises serious issues of claustrophobia, to say the least . . . I'm not talking out of fear, here, but simple practicality. Are the people who are planning to travel to one of these cities even considering the impact of an extra million people in any given city that does not have a population anywhere near that number?
I'm not disinterested in a solar eclipse, but I'm satisfied to view the partial eclipse from right where I am. I'm interested enough to have read a few articles as well as writing this blog. I remember making the pinhole in the cardboard box to prevent eye damage while viewing a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is fascinating, but . . . there's a big difference in being interested and the way Americans are choosing to respond to this. Our nation is so divided and extreme! A large crowd, all with the general mindset of instant gratification. What could possibly go wrong?
I've also considered the weather factor. I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but; what if a cloud covers the eclipse? There won't be time to get to the next site! I've fed in a few of the cities that are in the path for a total viewing to weather for you. Accuracy in weather forecasting is never guaranteed, but a chance of cloud cover, plus traffic in unfamiliar territory does offer a bit of credence to the government's attitude . . .
Not to mention how badly people behave when things don't go their way. In the case of inclement weather will we hear, "Not my eclipse!" In the case of traffic standstill, will "tolerance" prevail? Will there be safe spaces?
